Clinical Report: Evaluation of Weekly Symptom Tracking via Patients' Smartphones

Overview

The SMART-PRO study evaluated the feasibility of using smartphones for weekly symptom tracking in outpatients undergoing chemotherapy. Results indicated a high ePRO response rate and effective monitoring of adverse events, particularly among older adults.

Background

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are crucial in oncology for monitoring treatment-related adverse events. The integration of electronic PRO systems, particularly using patients' own devices, has the potential to enhance symptom tracking and improve patient-clinician communication. However, the feasibility of such systems in older adult populations remains underexplored.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The mean age of participants was 66.7 years, with most having stage IV cancer.
• Weekly ePRO response rates ranged from 75% to 93% across the cohort.
• Older patients (≥70 years) maintained a response rate at or above 75%.
• Pain-related symptoms were the most frequent triggers for alerts, followed by numbness, rash, fatigue, and skin disorders.
• No marked deterioration in HRQoL was observed over the 12-week study period.

Clinical Implications

The study demonstrates that BYOD-based ePRO monitoring is feasible in outpatient oncology settings, including for older adults. This approach may facilitate better symptom management and enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The findings from the SMART-PRO study support the implementation of smartphone-based ePRO systems in routine oncology care, particularly for older patients.

Related Resources & Content

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9. FASTOCH: Feasibility of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in Older Patients With Cancer—A Multicenter Prospective Study | Journal of Clinical Oncology